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03-27-2008, 09:20 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,116
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sewing seat covers
Vans seat foam says it comes with a pattern for sewing your own upholstery. My mother has quite a bit of sewing experience, so I asked her if she thought it was do-able. She wanted to know more specifically about the Weight of the fabric and if they need to have a "serger finish". Her "serger" machine died and so now she only has a regular sewing machine. Will this do the job? How complicated is the upholstery pattern supplied by vans?
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Phil
RV9A (SB)
Flying since July 2010!
Ottawa, Canada
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03-27-2008, 09:46 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: S21, Oregon
Posts: 161
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I haven't seen the patterns for Van's seats, but I don't think you'll need a serger. If you were using a fabric that tended to fray and used a small seam allowance, you would want to use a serger. I don't see need for small seam allowances in this case, so I think you'll be fine. Make sure to double check the allowances on the pattern before you cut anything though 
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Kelly
RV-7 empennage done, wings done, fuselage to QB stage.
1973 Maule M4-220C flying
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03-27-2008, 09:52 AM
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been here awhile
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 4,300
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Quote:
Originally Posted by prkaye
Vans seat foam says it comes with a pattern for sewing your own upholstery. My mother has quite a bit of sewing experience, so I asked her if she thought it was do-able. She wanted to know more specifically about the Weight of the fabric and if they need to have a "serger finish". Her "serger" machine died and so now she only has a regular sewing machine. Will this do the job? How complicated is the upholstery pattern supplied by vans?
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Here is an article written by a former member of our RV group detailing how she made seat covers for their plane:
http://www.tvrvbg.org/interior.htm
The email link is no longer valid and I don't know how to contact the author. |
03-27-2008, 09:59 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: locust grove, ga
Posts: 139
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sewing seats
I purchased the van's seats with the intention of using their pattern. I have sewn a number of seat covers for our aircraft. Here are some of the items I would recommend before attempting it.
Do not use a fancy computerized machine. The thickness of the fabric with the backing (scrim)can ruin the alignment of the machine.
Van's pattern does not seem consistently accurate to the foam that I received. However,she should be able to figure out the incorrect section and adjust the pattern.
A serger is not needed if you purchase the correct fabric. I use automotive fabric and it has a backing that prevents the seam from ravelling.
I would be very happy to provide details regarding the process if she emails me. I think it is wonderful to do your own seats and get a quality finish at a lower cost.
cadisy@aol.com |
03-27-2008, 04:13 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 1,095
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OK, so I'm a horrible seamstress...meaning I have very limited experience sewing anything (tried a few patches when I was in the military - not great). Is this something I could do myself?
I have the Van's seat foam but considered selling the set and just buying some pre-made seats. I would like to use them, however, if I could have covers made cheaply and that looked nice.
Anyone have any ideas if there are some covers available for purchase that'd be cheap?
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Sonny W
Boise, Idaho
RV-7A Flying!
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03-27-2008, 09:20 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 81
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Phil,
Go for it! It sure saves some $$. My wife did mine and I think they look great. It also adds to the custom-built touch knowing that a family member made them for you.
She didn't like Van's patterns one bit. Something about edge allowance?? Sent me an email and I'll hook you guys up for the technical details: grigson1270@yahoo.com. --Greg
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Greg Grigson
Yellow Peril / RV-6A SOLD
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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03-27-2008, 09:29 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Conroe, Texas
Posts: 517
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I have a set of Van's foam cushions I want to sell. Someone make me a reasonable offer and there yours.
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Chuck Elsey
RV6 Start 7/06- Flying!
N349CE
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03-27-2008, 10:49 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Posts: 204
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Vinces Page
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RV6 built and flying
Bearhawk Patrol plans purchased
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03-28-2008, 05:58 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 1,505
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Sent you a PM.
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Jim Wright
RV-9A N9JW 90919 SoldArkansas
http://www.jimsairplanes.com
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"It's a brutal struggle for the biscuit."
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03-28-2008, 07:11 AM
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 99
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Not so much for me...
Hate to be the voice of negativity here but I tried sewing my own seat covers and they looked awful. Mind you I have a fair bit of PIC time behind a sewing machine as a parachute rigger working at a parachute loft and I have sewn all manner of backpacking gear- sleeping bags, tents, back packs etc. So I thought I knew what I was doing. Apparrently not.
I bought Van's foam and used his patterns. It might have been that the fabric I used for the inset of the cushions didn't have the structure/ stiffness to get the nice bolstered, contoured look that I wanted. Spent a couple or 3 weeks fighting with the dang things then sent the foam to Flightline Interiors and I really like what Abbey did with them.
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Jim McChesney
Tucson, AZ
-7A Finishing Kit
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